★ ★ ★ ★
Lavika wore a pastel green sharara, its intricate embroidery glimmering under the warm glow of lanterns. 
Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, adorned with delicate white flowers. 
She looked breathtaking—graceful yet effortlessly beautiful.
Around her, the other women were seated, their hands being adorned with mehndi designs. 
The bride, Adya, was the center of attention, her laughter ringing through the courtyard as her friends teased her about hiding the groom's name in her henna.
Lavika, however, had her own little secret. 
As the mehndi artist carefully traced delicate patterns on her palms, she whispered, "Can you hide two letters in the design? 'I.A.' But make sure no one can see it."
The artist smiled knowingly but said nothing, nodding in understanding before blending the initials into the intricate floral vines.
A small act. 
A silly, insignificant thing. 
But to Lavika, it meant everything.
★ ★ ★ ★
Music played softly in the background, and as Lavika looked up, her eyes locked onto Ishaan's.
He stood across the courtyard, dressed in a deep green kurta that matched her pastel shade too well for it to be a coincidence. 
His sharp features were illuminated by the golden lights, and his expression was unreadable.
They had barely spoken since arriving in Udaipur. 
After their last conversation—where Lavika had told him she needed time—there had been an unspoken distance between them. 
Yet, no matter how much space she tried to create, fate kept pulling them into each other's orbit.
Tonight was no different.
For the past hour, they had been playing a silent game of stolen glances. 
He would look away the moment she caught him staring, only for her to do the same when he found her gaze again. 
The air between them was thick with tension, but neither of them was ready to bridge the distance.
Not yet.
★ ★ ★ ★
A hour later,
As the mehndi ceremony concluded, the music shifted, and the dance floor came alive. 
Dhol beats filled the air as guests gathered to celebrate, laughter and cheers echoing through the open courtyard.
Shanaya pulled Lavika up, twirling her onto the dance floor. "No more sitting around, Lavi! It's time to dance!"
Lavika laughed, allowing herself to be dragged into the group. 
The beats grew louder, and soon, the dance turned into a playful yet chaotic routine.
It was a couple's dance—one where partners changed with every beat drop. 
Hands touched, bodies moved in sync, and laughter filled the space as people twirled into new arms.
And then—just as the music slowed for a moment—Lavika found herself spinning straight into Ishaan.
★ ★ ★ ★